A Punjab Police ASI and his brother have been booked for cheating a Moga man of Rs 1.40 crore by promising a US visa but sending him and his family through the illegal ‘dunki’ route. The case, which surfaced in July 2025, has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for stricter controls on immigration fraud in Punjab.
Key facts:
– Who: Punjab Police Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Sarabjit Singh, his brother Daljit Singh (a travel agent), and accomplice Jai Jagat Joshi
– What: Duped Akashvir Singh and his family of Rs 1.40 crore by promising legal US visas, then sent them via the illegal ‘dunki’ route
– Where: Moga, Punjab
– When: Case registered July 2025, scam occurred earlier in the year
– Why: Agents exploited the family’s desire for a better life abroad
– How: Used threats, fake promises, and illegal border crossings
How the Scam Unfolded
The story began when Akashvir Singh, a resident of Moga, Punjab, dreamed of moving to the United States 🇺🇸 with his family for a better future. Like many in Punjab, he believed that a US visa would open doors to good jobs and a secure life. He was introduced to Daljit Singh, a travel agent, who claimed he could arrange legal US visas and work permits. Daljit’s brother, Sarabjit Singh, was a serving Punjab Police ASI, which gave the scheme an air of legitimacy.
The agents demanded a huge sum—Rs 90 lakh up front, with another Rs 50 lakh extorted later through threats and pressure. Akashvir Singh, desperate to secure his family’s future, borrowed money from friends and relatives, including a Rs 10 lakh loan from Gurkaran Singh. He handed over the total Rs 1.40 crore to the agents, trusting their promises.
Instead of arranging legal documents, the agents sent Akashvir and his family through the ‘dunki’ route. This method involves illegal border crossings, often with the help of human traffickers. The family was smuggled out of India and tried to enter the United States 🇺🇸 without proper visas. US border authorities quickly detected the illegal entry and deported the family back to India.
When Akashvir and his family returned, they found the agents had disappeared. The family faced not only the shame and trauma of deportation but also crushing financial loss. Gurkaran Singh, who had loaned money to Akashvir, filed a police complaint after seeing videos of the agents counting cash, which went viral on social media.
Police Action and Current Status
Following the complaint, police registered a case at Ludhiana’s Model Town police station. Sarabjit Singh, the Punjab Police ASI, was arrested. His brother Daljit Singh and accomplice Jai Jagat Joshi remain on the run. Investigators discovered that the brothers had built up a fortune through their illegal travel business, including:
- Luxury cars: Range Rover, Mercedes, BMW
- Around 40 acres of land
- A farmhouse in Nadala village, Kapurthala district
- Multiple benami (proxy-owned) properties worth several crores
The travel business operated without any license. Daljit Singh acted as the public face, while Sarabjit Singh worked behind the scenes, using his police position to avoid suspicion. Police also found that Daljit Singh had several other cases against him for similar scams.
Public and Political Response
The case has caused anger and concern across Punjab. Bholath Congress MLA Khaira demanded the immediate arrest of Daljit Singh, saying, “We must ensure justice for the victims and protect Punjab’s youth from such immigration frauds.” Many families in Punjab dream of sending their children abroad, making them easy targets for dishonest agents.
Community leaders and activists have called for stricter rules and better enforcement to stop such scams. They say the involvement of a police officer makes the crime even more serious, as it undermines trust in law enforcement.
The ‘Dunki’ Route: What Is It?
The ‘dunki’ route is a term used in Punjab for illegal immigration through unauthorized border crossings. Agents and traffickers promise legal visas or work permits but instead send people through dangerous and illegal paths. These routes often involve:
- Fake documents or no documents at all
- Long, risky journeys through several countries
- High fees and extortion
- Threats and violence if families refuse to pay more
Many people who take the ‘dunki’ route end up being caught by border authorities and deported. Some face arrest, detention, or even worse dangers along the way.
Why Punjab Is Vulnerable to Immigration Scams
Punjab has a long history of migration, with many families hoping to settle in countries like the United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, and Australia 🇦🇺. This strong desire creates a market for agents who promise quick and easy visas. Over the years, Punjab has seen several major scams, including the Moga passport scam of 2008, where fake passports were issued with police help. Many police officers lost their jobs or were arrested in that case.
Despite new rules and crackdowns, illegal immigration and visa fraud remain big problems. Many travel agencies operate without proper licenses. Some even have connections with officials, making it hard for victims to get justice.
How the Fraud Worked: Step-by-Step
- Contact: The victim is approached by or contacts agents who promise legal US visas and work permits.
- Payment: The agents demand large sums of money—often in stages, using threats to extract more.
- Illegal Journey: Instead of legal paperwork, the agents send the victim and family through the ‘dunki’ route, using smugglers and fake documents.
- Deportation: US border authorities catch the family and deport them back to India.
- Extortion: Even after deportation, agents may threaten the family for more money or disappear completely.
- Police Action: Complaints are filed, and investigations begin, often after evidence like videos or messages surface.
- Arrests and Seizures: Police arrest some suspects and seize illegal assets, but others remain at large.
Impact on Victims and Their Families
Victims like Akashvir Singh and his family face deep losses:
- Financial loss: Families often sell land, jewelry, or take loans to pay agents. Losing Rs 1.40 crore can ruin a family’s future.
- Emotional trauma: Deportation is a public shame in many communities. Families feel embarrassed and hopeless.
- Legal trouble: Some victims face questioning by authorities in both countries.
- Broken trust: When police officers are involved, people lose faith in law enforcement.
Gurkaran Singh, who loaned money to Akashvir, said, “We trusted them because one of them was a police officer. Now we are left with nothing but debt and shame.”
Legal and Policy Implications
The case has exposed gaps in the regulation of travel agencies and immigration consultants in Punjab. Many operate without licenses or oversight. Law enforcement agencies are now under pressure to:
- Crack down on unlicensed travel agents
- Monitor police and government officials for involvement in scams
- Seize illegal assets and return money to victims when possible
- Work with foreign authorities to stop illegal migration
The Indian government and US authorities continue to work together on immigration enforcement. Deportations of illegal entrants via the ‘dunki’ route are common, and both countries share information to catch traffickers.
Legal experts say victims should always check the credentials of agents and use only licensed immigration consultants. They also call for stronger laws and better enforcement to protect people from such scams.
Community and Political Demands
Political leaders and community groups are demanding:
- Swift arrest of all accused, especially Daljit Singh and Jai Jagat Joshi
- Stricter licensing and monitoring of travel agencies
- Public awareness campaigns to warn about the dangers of illegal immigration
- Compensation and support for victims
Bholath MLA Khaira said, “We must send a strong message that those who cheat our youth will not escape justice.”
What Can Potential Migrants Do?
If you or your family are thinking about moving abroad, here are some steps to protect yourself:
- Always use licensed immigration consultants. You can check the list of approved agents on the Indian Ministry of External Affairs website.
- Never hand over large sums of money without proper receipts and contracts.
- Be wary of agents who promise quick or guaranteed visas.
- Ask for references and check the agent’s track record.
- Report any suspicious activity to the police or the Ministry of External Affairs.
- Learn about the legal process for US visas on the US Embassy in India’s official website.
If you are asked to fill out any US immigration forms, always use the official government websites. For example, the DS-160 form is the official online application for a US nonimmigrant visa.
What Authorities Are Doing
Police in Punjab have stepped up efforts to catch those involved in immigration fraud. They are:
- Investigating all complaints of visa fraud and illegal travel agencies
- Arresting suspects and seizing illegal assets
- Working with US authorities to track down traffickers
- Educating the public about the risks of illegal immigration
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, cases like this highlight the urgent need for better regulation and public education to stop the spread of illegal immigration scams in Punjab.
Broader Implications for Punjab and Beyond
This case is not just about one family or one police officer. It shows a bigger problem in Punjab and other parts of India, where many people are willing to risk everything for a chance to live abroad. Unscrupulous agents and sometimes even officials take advantage of these dreams, leading to heartbreak and loss.
The involvement of a Punjab Police ASI in the scam has shaken public confidence. People expect police to protect them, not cheat them. This makes it even more important for authorities to act quickly and fairly.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
Police are expected to continue their search for Daljit Singh and Jai Jagat Joshi. More arrests and property seizures may follow. Authorities may also introduce new rules to make it harder for unlicensed agents to operate.
Public awareness campaigns are likely to increase, warning people about the dangers of the ‘dunki’ route and the importance of using legal channels for immigration.
Families who have lost money or suffered because of such scams are calling for compensation and support. Legal experts say the government should set up special help desks for victims of immigration fraud.
Where to Get Help
If you or someone you know has been a victim of immigration fraud, you can:
- Contact the Ludhiana Police Crime Branch to report the crime
- Reach out to the Punjab Police Kapurthala District for updates on ongoing investigations
- Visit the Indian Ministry of External Affairs website for official information on visas and licensed agents
- Check the US Embassy in India website for visa guidelines and fraud reporting
Final Thoughts
The Punjab Police ASI and his brother’s case is a warning to all who dream of moving abroad. While the promise of a better life is strong, it is important to use legal and safe ways to migrate. Illegal routes like the ‘dunki’ route not only waste money but also put lives at risk. By staying informed, checking credentials, and reporting suspicious agents, families can protect themselves from falling victim to such scams.
The fight against immigration fraud in Punjab will require strong laws, honest enforcement, and public awareness. Only then can the dreams of a better life abroad become a reality—without fear, loss, or regret.
Learn Today
Punjab Police ASI → Assistant Sub-Inspector rank in Punjab Police involved in law enforcement duties.
Dunki route → Illegal immigration path involving unauthorized border crossings and human smuggling.
Rs 1.40 crore → 1.40 crore rupees, equivalent to 14 million Indian rupees, significant scam amount.
Benami properties → Properties held in proxy names to conceal real ownership, often used in illegal activities.
Visa fraud → Deceptive practices to obtain or fake immigration visas unlawfully.
This Article in a Nutshell
Punjab Police ASI’s involvement in a Rs 1.40 crore US visa scam via the illegal dunki route revealed urgent flaws in immigration oversight, prompting arrests and calls for reform to protect vulnerable families from fraud and trafficking.
— By VisaVerge.com
